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Trade liberalization and SO2 emissions: Firm-level evidence from China's WTO entry

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  • Li, Lei
  • Löschel, Andreas
  • Pei, Jiansuo
  • Sturm, Bodo
  • Yu, Anqi

Abstract

Is trade liberalization contributing to cleaner production amongst manufacturing firms? Theoretical predictions and empirical evidences are mixed. This study utilizes China's dual trade regime and China's WTO entry in 2001 to construct a unique micro dataset on manufacturing firms for China for the period 2000-2007, and performs a difference-in-difference estimation strategy to directly examine this issue. Specifically, normal exporters that saw tariff changes during the same period form the treatment group; while processing exporters that enjoy tariff-exemptions both pre- and post-WTO entry serve as the control group. Results show that China's WTO entry contributed to a lower SO2 emission intensity for normal exporting firms. We further examine the mechanism and show that the productivity channel accounted for the observed pattern. Specifically, more efficient normal exporters saw greater decline of SO2 emission intensity than average normal exporters. This study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of trade on the environment, especially in developing countries. It also complements the literature in terms of providing China's micro evidence on the impact of trade liberalization on firm's environmental performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Lei & Löschel, Andreas & Pei, Jiansuo & Sturm, Bodo & Yu, Anqi, 2020. "Trade liberalization and SO2 emissions: Firm-level evidence from China's WTO entry," CAWM Discussion Papers 119, University of Münster, Münster Center for Economic Policy (MEP).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:cawmdp:119
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Dai, Yixin & Wang, Yixiao & Li, Rongrong, 2024. "Overcoming the “diversification trap”:firm investment decisions and innovation under policy uncertainty," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 492-504.
    3. Gao, Yuning & Yu, Anqi & Jiang, Jiatong & Pei, Jiansuo, 2024. "Will global value chain participation reduce environmental emissions? Evidence from Chinese firm-level data," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 512-526.
    4. repec:ags:aaea22:336003 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Suyi Zheng & Jiandong Wen, 2023. "How Does Firm-Level Economic Policy Uncertainty Affect Corporate Innovation? Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-23, April.
    6. Chen, Fenglong & Wang, Meichang & Pu, Zhengning, 2022. "The impact of technological innovation on air pollution: Firm-level evidence from China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    7. Xi, Yanle & Zhang, Liang & Zhou, Yuxin & Wu, Lamei, 2024. "Trade policy uncertainty and firm-level pollution emissions: Evidence from China's accession to the WTO," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    WTO; trade liberalization; dual trade regime; SO2 emission intensity; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F18 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Environment
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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